The Smell of Smoke in The Morning

Gary Harmon called and told me about a fire here in Fort Valley yesterday morning.  A local cabinet shop was on fire.  I grabbed my cameras, kissed Deborah and told her I would be back in a little while, not knowing if I would find a photo or not.

I have not "chased" any firetrucks in a while.  I got in my truck and the old sense of anticipation returned.  Would this be a big one?  Flames and smoke make for good photos.  Would it be over before I arrived?  You tend to get caught up in the excitement of the moment, hoping for a good photo, not thinking that someones home or business in in danger of destruction, firefighters are risking their lives.

Covering breaking news in a small town is different than in a place the size of Macon or even Warner Robins.  You get to know, and are known by a lot of the cops and firefighters, so you are aware of their presence on occasions like this. Not so much with the people involved in the fire, wreck or what ever the event you are focused on.  You just concentrate on the images, isolated by your camera.

This one was different. Hilton Smith, owner of the burning business is someone I see regularly.

Every Thursday morning he and his buddies sit right next to my friend Greg and me at breakfast.  Often see him around town as well.  

As photojournalists, we are capturing slices of life. These are moments in time, some good, some not so good.  But each one is a part of someones existence, not just another photograph.  We know that, and try to temper our excitement. Be respectful yet still do our jobs.